And some
good old-fashioned junking. This was my last stop and the most fun.

The
owner was more than happy to climb over his mountains of treasures and pull out
rusty, chippy things he thought I might be interested in while I pretty much
wandered around in a daze and tried to take it all in.

My sister lives in Astoria and every time I visit her I have to go to Vintage Hardware! It is where I found my Pyrex lighted store display sign. You can check it out here if you want http://pyrexthriftersisters.blogspot.com/2012/01/so-awesome-i-had-to-post-it-twice.html

Glad to hear that someone else enjoyed Astoria & Long Beach as much as I do when I visit.

Those flowers still look cheery despite the car ride to the coast (great photo with that check..you have such a good eye). Glad you found some junk and had a good birthday...next time I am going with you.

What a way to spend your birthday weekend, I can't think of anything better! You must have been in junking heaven when you walked into Hobo Junction. I noticed the "pray" sign in the other photo and got a good laugh out of that. I like the full-to-the-brim look when it's not messy...this one looks good. The dress form with the lampshade on her head is priceless...reminds me of a weekend away with the girls many, many years ago:-)

You were at all my shops!!!!! How fun. For such a little place, Astoria actually has a few really cute shops and like my Sister said, Vintage Hardware is AMAZING. I love that you stopped at Hobo Junction. I've picked up a few things there and really enjoy jumping across the river to check out the Washington side. So happy you had a nice birthday and made it to the coast.From Astoria,Hanna

perfect birthday celebration, congrats! i think you should make a annual event. and what a way to start with "magpie ethel" two of the best in the biz! gee, my birthday is coming up need to have a talk with my husband........

I once climbed the Astoria Tower in 2" heels, then went for dinner of Seafood Bisque out at a snazzy place by the water...happy memories. Now if I went I skip the Tower and go for the junk! Thirty four years later I have much better perspective!

Happy late birthday! Looks like you had a great time. I have a kind of love hate relationship with super packed booths. I love the look, and the fact that you aren't wasting money with merchandise sitting at home. But I really hate it when I go to shop in one of these and I feel like if I touch something, it is all going to come crashing down on me. Double edged sword I guess...